Describing Dystopian Settings with AI
How to use generative AI to support the use of vivid imagery when describing dystopian settings.
(See example lesson plan at the bottom of this article)
(See example lesson plan at the bottom of this article)
What is generative AI?
Generative AI is a type of artificial intelligence that can create original content, such as images, music, and text.
While some types of AI analyse data to predict future outcomes (as seen in predictive text), generative AI goes a step further. It uses patterns it has learned from data to generate entirely new examples.
What is text-to-image AI?
Text-to-image AI allows you to create any image simply by using your own words to describe the picture you want to see.
What happens when you ask AI to generate an image of a dystopian setting?
These are examples of how generative AI interprets a dystopian description:
Generative AI is a type of artificial intelligence that can create original content, such as images, music, and text.
While some types of AI analyse data to predict future outcomes (as seen in predictive text), generative AI goes a step further. It uses patterns it has learned from data to generate entirely new examples.
What is text-to-image AI?
Text-to-image AI allows you to create any image simply by using your own words to describe the picture you want to see.
What happens when you ask AI to generate an image of a dystopian setting?
These are examples of how generative AI interprets a dystopian description:
A dystopian cityscape created using Microsoft Copilot
Some more examples:
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How can I use this in a lesson?
So, this got me thinking about how I could use this in a lesson! I then thought, wouldn't it be cool if we could bring our students' descriptive writing to life with generative AI?
Scroll down for sample lesson plan.
So, this got me thinking about how I could use this in a lesson! I then thought, wouldn't it be cool if we could bring our students' descriptive writing to life with generative AI?
Scroll down for sample lesson plan.
How it works
What is text-to-image AI?
Text-to-image AI allows you to create any image simply by using your own words to describe the picture you want to see.
What tools can I use?
For the remainder of this tutorial, I will focus on the free tools but everything I demonstrate can easily be done with Midjourney.
Mastering the Prompt
I'm not going to lie to you, it's not quite as easy as it seems - you can't simply copy an extract from a book! There is an art to mastering the prompt, which I will share with you.
Text-to-image AI is different from searching for an image in Google or Bing. It works best when you're highly descriptive. You need to be creative and add details such as: adjectives, locations, even artistic styles such as "digital art" and "hyper realistic.“
What is text-to-image AI?
Text-to-image AI allows you to create any image simply by using your own words to describe the picture you want to see.
What tools can I use?
- Microsoft Copilot | (FREE - requires a Microsoft account)
- Adobe Firefly | (FREE - requires you to sign up for a free Adobe account)
- Leonardo AI | (FREE - requires you to sign up for a free Leonardo account)
- Midjourney | (Paid for - requires a Discord account)
For the remainder of this tutorial, I will focus on the free tools but everything I demonstrate can easily be done with Midjourney.
Mastering the Prompt
I'm not going to lie to you, it's not quite as easy as it seems - you can't simply copy an extract from a book! There is an art to mastering the prompt, which I will share with you.
Text-to-image AI is different from searching for an image in Google or Bing. It works best when you're highly descriptive. You need to be creative and add details such as: adjectives, locations, even artistic styles such as "digital art" and "hyper realistic.“
Simple example:
Create an image of a dystopian city.
Will produce something like this:
More complex prompt:
Create a hyper realistic image of a dystopian city laying in ruins. Its once towering skyscrapers now skeletal remains and the acrid stench of smoke hangs heavy in the air, mingling with the metallic tang of rust and decay.
Will create something like this:
Free Tools
1. Adobe Firefly
Adobe Firefly | (FREE - requires you to sign up for a free Adobe account)
One of my favourite tools for this type of activity is Adobe Firefly. The reason I prefer this tool is because you have lots of control over the final image. Firstly, if you don't like the results, you can simply click on 'Generate' agan. You can also try different styles, for example photo or digital art, and can even change the lighting and tone.
Adobe Firefly | (FREE - requires you to sign up for a free Adobe account)
One of my favourite tools for this type of activity is Adobe Firefly. The reason I prefer this tool is because you have lots of control over the final image. Firstly, if you don't like the results, you can simply click on 'Generate' agan. You can also try different styles, for example photo or digital art, and can even change the lighting and tone.
Adobe Firefly text-to-image interface.
2. Microsoft Copilot
Microsoft Copilot (Formerly, Bing Image Creator) | (FREE - requires a Microsoft account)
Another favourite of mine is Microsoft Copilot, although I do find that it's not always as consistent as some of the other free tools!
Microsoft Copilot (Formerly, Bing Image Creator) | (FREE - requires a Microsoft account)
Another favourite of mine is Microsoft Copilot, although I do find that it's not always as consistent as some of the other free tools!
Bing Image Creator text-to-image interface.
3. Leonardo AI
Leonardo AI | (FREE - requires you to sign up for a free Leonardo account)
Last, but not least, is Leonardo AI. Leonardo is one of my 'go to tools', but does take some getting used to. I personally like Leonardo because you have more control over the output, such as being able to choose from a huge selection of pre-trained models (my favourites being 3D Animation Style, Little Monsters and DreamShaper v7). One downside to having all this control is the compromise on intuitiveness. For this reason, I would recommend Bing or Adobe (Also, the free version of Leonardo limits you to 150 credits a day - each prompt uses between 2 and 32 credits, depending on what features you choose). But, once you've mastered the controls, the results can be phenomenal.
Leonardo AI | (FREE - requires you to sign up for a free Leonardo account)
Last, but not least, is Leonardo AI. Leonardo is one of my 'go to tools', but does take some getting used to. I personally like Leonardo because you have more control over the output, such as being able to choose from a huge selection of pre-trained models (my favourites being 3D Animation Style, Little Monsters and DreamShaper v7). One downside to having all this control is the compromise on intuitiveness. For this reason, I would recommend Bing or Adobe (Also, the free version of Leonardo limits you to 150 credits a day - each prompt uses between 2 and 32 credits, depending on what features you choose). But, once you've mastered the controls, the results can be phenomenal.
Leonardo AI text-to-image interface.
Dystopian city (Created with Leonardo AI)
Prompt: Create a hyper realistic image of a dystopian city laying in ruins. Its once towering skyscrapers now skeletal remains and the acrid stench of smoke hangs heavy in the air, mingling with the metallic tang of rust and decay.
Prompt: Create a hyper realistic image of a dystopian city laying in ruins. Its once towering skyscrapers now skeletal remains and the acrid stench of smoke hangs heavy in the air, mingling with the metallic tang of rust and decay.
A note on Midjourney
For those in the know, you might be asking "So, why have you not mentioned Midjourney?". Midjourney is by far my favourite text-to-image tool and by far outshines the other text-to-image tools with regards to image quality. The reason I have left it out of this tutorial is simply due to it's cost (at time of writing, Midjourney no longer offers a free trial) and the fact that you have to have a Discord account (which isn't the most intuitive / user-friendly tool) in order to use it.
For those in the know, you might be asking "So, why have you not mentioned Midjourney?". Midjourney is by far my favourite text-to-image tool and by far outshines the other text-to-image tools with regards to image quality. The reason I have left it out of this tutorial is simply due to it's cost (at time of writing, Midjourney no longer offers a free trial) and the fact that you have to have a Discord account (which isn't the most intuitive / user-friendly tool) in order to use it.
Example lesson plan
Disclaimer: This lesson was partly created using generative AI!
Free resources: Associated resources for this lesson can be found at the bottom of this article.
Prompt used for this lesson plan:
Disclaimer: This lesson was partly created using generative AI!
Free resources: Associated resources for this lesson can be found at the bottom of this article.
Prompt used for this lesson plan:
Design a detailed lesson plan for an English lesson on using vivid imagery to describe dystopian settings, aligned with the National curriculum in England: secondary curriculum (key stage 3). Please structure the lesson into distinct segments: a 10-minute warm-up activity to introduce the topic, a 10-minute engaging lecture with interactive elements, a 30-minute hands-on activity to reinforce learning, and a 10-minute formative assessment to gauge student understanding. Include in your plan: specific learning objectives, materials needed for each segment, strategies for student engagement, and clear assessment criteria based on the following learning objectives:
- Use imagery to enhance a dystopian description.
Follow up prompt. Remember, ChatGPT/Microsoft Copilot are conversational AI chatbots, use follow up questions to improve your results. For example:
- What are the key learning objectives for this lesson, framed as questions?
- Provide bullet points detailing what Year 7 children will know by the end of the lesson.
- List the essential vocabulary terms that should be introduced and used during the lesson.
Lesson Plan: Using Vivid Imagery to Describe Dystopian Settings
Aligned with the National Curriculum in England: Secondary Curriculum (Key Stage 3)
Learning Objectives
Lesson Description
In this lesson, students will delve into the world of dystopian literature by examining and enhancing a sample passage with similes and metaphors to create vivid and impactful imagery.
Lesson Outline1. Starter (10 minutes)
Objective: Introduce students to the concept of imagery and its importance in writing.
Activity:
2. Introduction (10 minutes)
Objective: Teach students about similes and metaphors and how they can be used to create vivid dystopian imagery.
Activity:
3. Hands-On Activity (30 minutes)
Objective: Reinforce students' understanding of similes and metaphors through practical application.
Activity:
Strategy for Engagement: Collaborative learning and peer feedback to foster creativity and critical thinking.
4. Formative Assessment (10 minutes)
Objective: Gauge student understanding and mastery of using vivid imagery in dystopian descriptions.
Activity:
Note: Alternatively, provide students with the list of suggested questions (above) and have them peer-assess each other’s descriptions.
Assessment Criteria:
Bonus Activity
Pick your favourite descriptions (or ask for volunteers to share their dystopian descriptions) and bring them to life using text-to-image AI (for example, using Microsoft Copilot).
Example prompt:
“Create a hyper realistic image of a dystopian city laying in ruins. Its once towering skyscrapers now skeletal remains and the acrid stench of smoke hangs heavy in the air, mingling with the metallic tang of rust and decay.”
DifferentiationSuggested activities to differentiate this lesson:
Scaffolding Activities:
Visual aids:
Group Work:
Option choices:
Conclusion
To conclude the lesson, summarise the key points covered, emphasising the importance of using vivid imagery, similes, and metaphors to enhance writing. Encourage students to apply these techniques in their future writing assignments to create more engaging and imaginative descriptions.
Stretch and Challenge
Ask students to rewrite a paragraph from a well-known dystopian novel, such as George Orwell's "1984" or Aldous Huxley's "Brave New World," incorporating their own sensory details and metaphors. Encourage them to transform the setting using vivid imagery, focusing on the atmosphere and tone. Afterward, discuss how their changes affected the overall impact of the scene and explore how different descriptive techniques can alter a reader's perception and emotional response.
Encourage students to share their rewritten paragraphs with the class, fostering an environment of constructive feedback and collaborative learning. This activity will push students to think critically about language use and enhance their ability to craft compelling dystopian narratives.
Essential Vocabulary Terms:
This adapted lesson plan aligns with the National Curriculum in England for key stage 3, focusing on developing students’ understanding and use of literary devices such as metaphors and similes.
Aligned with the National Curriculum in England: Secondary Curriculum (Key Stage 3)
Learning Objectives
- Understand and identify imagery, similes, and metaphors.
- Use imagery to enhance a dystopian description.
- Create vivid and powerful dystopian imagery using similes and metaphors.
- Student worksheets containing examples of imagery, similes, and metaphors (Student Worksheet.docx, Word Bank.docx, Describing Dystopian Settings.docx)
- Teacher notes (Teacher Notes.docx)
- Notebooks and pens for students
- Whiteboard and markers (optional)
- Projector / screen / interactive whiteboard (optional)
Lesson Description
In this lesson, students will delve into the world of dystopian literature by examining and enhancing a sample passage with similes and metaphors to create vivid and impactful imagery.
Lesson Outline1. Starter (10 minutes)
Objective: Introduce students to the concept of imagery and its importance in writing.
Activity:
- Begin with a brief discussion on what imagery is and why it is used in writing.
- Show students an image of a dystopian setting (e.g., a ruined city) and ask them to describe it using their senses (sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste).
- Write their responses on the whiteboard to create a vivid picture of the setting.
2. Introduction (10 minutes)
Objective: Teach students about similes and metaphors and how they can be used to create vivid dystopian imagery.
Activity:
- Explain the definitions of similes and metaphors using the key words from the "Teacher notes.docx".
- Provide examples of similes and metaphors related to a dystopian setting.
- Ask students to identify whether given sentences are similes or metaphors and explain their reasoning.
- Encourage students to share their own examples of similes and metaphors in a dystopian context.
3. Hands-On Activity (30 minutes)
Objective: Reinforce students' understanding of similes and metaphors through practical application.
Activity:
- Share copies of the student worksheet, containing examples of imagery, similes, and metaphors (Student Worksheet.docx) to each student.
- Instruct students to work in pairs or small groups to identify where similes and metaphors can be added to enhance the description.
- Ask students to rewrite the passage, incorporating their own similes and metaphors to create vivid dystopian imagery.
- Encourage students to share their rewritten passages with the class, explaining their choice of imagery and the effect they intended to create.
Strategy for Engagement: Collaborative learning and peer feedback to foster creativity and critical thinking.
4. Formative Assessment (10 minutes)
Objective: Gauge student understanding and mastery of using vivid imagery in dystopian descriptions.
Activity:
- Ask students to volunteer to read their descriptive paragraphs aloud to the class.
- After each reading, facilitate a brief discussion on the effectiveness of the imagery used, asking the class to identify specific examples and discuss what made them vivid and impactful.
Example questions to ask the students:- What specific sensory details made the description stand out?
- How did the imagery help you visualise the dystopian setting?
- Which sentences or phrases were particularly effective in creating a sense of place?
- Were there any descriptions that evoked strong emotions? If so, which ones and why?
- How could the author improve the use of sensory details in their paragraph?
- Provide positive feedback and constructive criticism to reinforce learning objectives.
Note: Alternatively, provide students with the list of suggested questions (above) and have them peer-assess each other’s descriptions.
Assessment Criteria:
- Use of sensory details to create vivid imagery.
- Ability to convey a clear and impactful dystopian setting.
- Creativity and originality in descriptions.
- Engagement and participation in discussions.
Bonus Activity
Pick your favourite descriptions (or ask for volunteers to share their dystopian descriptions) and bring them to life using text-to-image AI (for example, using Microsoft Copilot).
Example prompt:
“Create a hyper realistic image of a dystopian city laying in ruins. Its once towering skyscrapers now skeletal remains and the acrid stench of smoke hangs heavy in the air, mingling with the metallic tang of rust and decay.”
DifferentiationSuggested activities to differentiate this lesson:
Scaffolding Activities:
- Worksheet: Fill-in-the gaps worksheet (Worksheet Describing Dystopian Settings.docx)
- Modelling: Show examples from dystopian novels and break down how the authors use sensory details and literary devices.
Visual aids:
- Imagery Boards: Use images of dystopian settings from movies, graphic novels, or art to help students visualise and describe their settings. Display these images on a projector or create a physical or digital collage.
Group Work:
- Collaborative Writing: Have students work in small groups to create a collective description of a dystopian setting. Each student can contribute a different sensory detail or literary device.
Option choices:
- Choice of Medium: Allow students to choose how they want to present their descriptions. They could write a paragraph, create a storyboard, or even record a podcast.
- Topic Selection: Give students a choice of different dystopian scenarios to describe. This can increase engagement by allowing them to explore themes that interest them.
Conclusion
To conclude the lesson, summarise the key points covered, emphasising the importance of using vivid imagery, similes, and metaphors to enhance writing. Encourage students to apply these techniques in their future writing assignments to create more engaging and imaginative descriptions.
Stretch and Challenge
Ask students to rewrite a paragraph from a well-known dystopian novel, such as George Orwell's "1984" or Aldous Huxley's "Brave New World," incorporating their own sensory details and metaphors. Encourage them to transform the setting using vivid imagery, focusing on the atmosphere and tone. Afterward, discuss how their changes affected the overall impact of the scene and explore how different descriptive techniques can alter a reader's perception and emotional response.
Encourage students to share their rewritten paragraphs with the class, fostering an environment of constructive feedback and collaborative learning. This activity will push students to think critically about language use and enhance their ability to craft compelling dystopian narratives.
Essential Vocabulary Terms:
- Dystopia: An imagined society where there is great suffering or injustice, often under a totalitarian regime or environmental disaster.
- Imagery: Descriptive language that creates vivid pictures in the reader's mind by appealing to the senses.
- Metaphor: A figure of speech that involves an implicit comparison between two unlike things by stating one thing is another.
- Simile: A figure of speech that makes a comparison between two different things using the words "like" or "as."
- Tone: The attitude or approach that the author takes toward the work’s central theme or subject.
- Atmosphere: The feeling, emotion, or mood that an author creates in a narrative through descriptive language.
- Vivid: Producing powerful feelings or strong, clear images in the mind.
- Sentinel: A person or thing that watches or stands as if watching.
- Setting: The time and place in which the story takes place, including the environment and surrounding circumstances.
This adapted lesson plan aligns with the National Curriculum in England for key stage 3, focusing on developing students’ understanding and use of literary devices such as metaphors and similes.
Resources
| lesson_plan.docx |
| word_bank.docx |
| worksheet_describing_dystopian_settings.docx |
| teacher_notes.docx |
| student_worksheet.docx |
